News Release

Freshëns unveiled a new design, product and theme at its store in the J.W. Jones Student Union, while Papa John's began serving fresh pizzas. The stores are among several
changes to Northwest campus dining this year. (Photos by Darren Whitley/University Advancement)

Aug. 30, 2010

Papa John's, Freshens part of changes to campus dining

MARYVILLE, Mo.- With the start of a new school year today, Northwest students are being greeted by tasty additions to their campus dining choices.

Freshëns, the nation's largest frozen yogurt and smoothie company, unveiled a new design, product and theme at its store, while Papa John's began serving its fresh pizzas on campus. Both are located on the second floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union in a space known as The Runt.

Additionally, students have new choices at the Bearcat Food Court, located on the first floor of the Student Union, with the opening of Noodles, Good4U and an expanded menu at Quizno's.

Northwest will celebrate the grand openings of each location separately throughout September. The University will celebrate Freshëns's grand opening with discount coupons and sampling Sept. 8-10. Grand opening celebrations for Noodles and Good4U will be Sept. 13-14. A grand opening celebration for Papa John's will be Sept. 16-17.

"Our team has contributed a great deal of time, energy and a commitment to excellence to ensure that the Northwest Missouri State University community has a wonderful dining experience," said Kristin Helmink, district marketing manager for Northwest food-service provider ARAMARK. "We're continuously improving and bringing new concepts to address student needs and concerns."

Northwest is one of the first colleges in the country to host the re-designed Freshëns store. The new look features bold bright colors, contemporary design elements and all natural products. The change reflects transformations the company initiated in late 2008, It's in our Nature™, that are devoted to environmental responsibility. Additionally, an interactive touch-screen nutritional display allows customers to look up ingredients, nutritional facts, serving sizes, ingredients and wellness tips to make quick and informed healthy food choices.

Papa John's, founded in 1984, is known for its made-from-scratch, original dough. Along with its super slices, the menu features Papa's Wings, chicken strips, parmesan breadsticks and cheesesticks. Customers can dine-in or call 562-1410 to place a carry-out order. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

At Noodles, in the Bearcat Food Court, customers can select from a wide variety of bowls from Mediterranean to Asian and American. All noodle bowls are served in eco-friendly packaging.

Good4U, in the Bearcat Food Court, helps customers take the thought out of eating healthy. Hot meal choices are available during lunch hours, and cold wraps and salads are available anytime at "Express Grab & Go" stations. Good4U meals feature less than 500 calories, less than 15 grams of fat and a focus on whole grains; they are portion controlled and served in eco-friendly containers.

"There are a lot of changes around here from menus to locations, all designed to make service lines quicker and increase student satisfaction," Helmink said.

This year, students don't have to step inside the Student Union to learn about special events and food deals. Northwest Campus Dining also is using social media, including Facebook and Twitter, to notify students of hours, events, news and special offers. Users can like Northwest Campus Dining on Facebook or follow NWCampusDining on Twitter.